Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live with my friends?

Yes. Where possible we will try to put you with your friends. When applying for your accommodation you should let us know your preferences including the names of your friends. We will contact you to confirm your request.

Can I move in early?

We will try and accommodate requests for early arrivals when possible. Please call your accommodation directly to check the availability.

Will my room be cleaned?

Your accommodation is cleaned for your arrival. Once you have moved in you will be responsible for cleaning your room and any shared areas within an apartment.

What do I need to bring with me?

Your room is furnished but you will need to bring the essentials such as:

To help you with the essentials we have teamed up with UniKitOut to make your move as simple and straightforward as possible. You can now order bedding, bathroom and kitchen items along with accessories here and they’ll be ready and waiting for you when you move in! You can also save 10% with the code USL17.

Will my room be checked?

We will undertake full room (and communal areas where applicable) inspections at least three times during your tenancy period. We will check for cleanliness, damage and for missing items.

What kind of students will be living here?

We have all kinds of students living with us, from all over the world, studying for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

I'm a Fresher, what can I expect?

Heading to University is an incredibly exciting time but if it’s your first time away from home you may also be feeling a bit nervous. We’ve put together a freshers’ guide which we hope will give you an idea of what to expect and to help you settle in to Freshers’ week and university life. The main thing to remember is that everyone is going to be in the same position as you so be yourself and you’ll be great!

What happens if there is a problem with the heating or other services?

Contact the management team in the building and they will arrange for maintenance to attend and fix the problem.

Can I rebook my room for next year?

Many of our residents are returning students who just don’t want to leave!

Apply as soon as possible in order to book your room, we cannot guarantee your room will be available; if you book early you will improve your chances.

What is a reservation fee?

Your reservation fee of £250 is due when you book your room. This is not a deposit, and once paid, is not refundable.

At the start of your tenancy your reservation fee converts to an advanced rent payment, and is either deducted from your single rent payment (if you pay for the year in advance) or from your first term’s rental payment (if you pay in stages).

So, for example if the total rent stated in your contract is £4,500, and you are paying in advance, you will pay £250 before signing your contract, and the remainder, £4,250 before moving in.

If you are paying by three instalments with a UK Guarantor, then you will pay the £250 reservation fee on signing, 40% of the contract rent before you move in less the reservation fee (£1,800 – £250 = £1,550), £1,800 at the start of the second term, then £900 for the third term.

Do I need to pay any bills?

Your weekly rent includes all electricity, heating and water bills and room internet access.

However, we follow a ‘reasonable use policy’ and if we feel your use of any of the utilities (electricity or water) is excessive, we will notify you of our concerns, and if the excessive use does not change, we reserve the right to charge you for such excessive use.

What should I do if I lose my keys?

If you lose your keys, please request a new set from the accommodation office, you will need to pay for a replacement set. If the office is closed you can contact the Student Warden on site.

Please look after your keys;

Do not label them

Do not give them to anyone else

How old do I have to be to live in your accommodation?

To live at one of our properties you must be 18 or over, on or before, the start date of your tenancy agreement.

What do I have to pay and when?

You will need to pay the £250 non-refundable reservation fee to secure your room.

You will then have two options – you can pay by three instalments or in one lump sum.

Paying in three instalments:

Students will need to provide evidence of a UK based guarantor if they wish to pay by instalments. Students will also need to sign a Direct Debit Mandate form to pay by instalments.

The first installment of rent is due in our bank account 10 days before the start of your tenancy. We will notify you in good time of the bank account details, or you can pay through our on-line portal with a debit card or credit card (credit cards attract a processing charge).

The start of your tenancy is the first date shown on your Assured Shorthold Tenancy, NOT the date you move into your room.

If you are receiving a Student Loan, and using this to pay your rent, you will NOT receive this loan until you have arrived at University and registered with your course. The University will then notify the Student Loans Company that you have registered, and the Student Loans Company then pay you the first terms loan, which may arrive one to two weeks after you need to move in.

It may therefore be difficult for you to pay your first rent instalment in full without your loan. If that is the case, you should speak to your guarantor to ask for assistance in the interim. If you require further assistance please contact your site team for more information.

Paying in one lump sum:

If students are unable to provide a UK based guarantor, payment will need to be paid in full at least 10 days prior to tenancy start dates.

What is a guarantor?

A Guarantor is a person that you nominate who will guarantee that your rent will be paid if you are unable to pay it yourself. The person needs to be capable of meeting your obligations if you are unable to.

If you fail to pay your rent on time, the guarantor will be responsible to ensure your rent is paid in full.

An overseas based guarantor, or one who is overseas but has a UK bank account is not acceptable.

If you are not able to provide your own guarantor, Housing Hand is an international guarantor service that provides this service to all students who cannot provide a suitable or qualified UK Guarantor.

Housing Hand also specialises in dealing with International students who cannot provide a Guarantor in the UK.

If you would like to use or find out more about the Housing Hand Guarantor Service, please visit their website www.housinghand.co.uk or you can call their offices from +44 (0)207 205 26 25.

Do I need to have a UK based guarantor?

You will need to have a UK based guarantor if you would like to pay your rent by instalments. If you choose to pay the total rent upfront then you will not be required to have a UK based guarantor.

Can I cancel my contract?

No. Your Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document and you are subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

Can I end my tenancy early?

As a tenant on a fixed term assured short hold tenancy you cannot end your tenancy early. You may find a replacement tenant for your tenancy as long as they take over the full length of your contract and pay the rent in full.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

You do not need to pay a deposit. However, you will need to pay a non-refundable £250 reservation fee to secure your room. The £250 is then deducted from your first rent instalment.

Can I smoke in the accommodation?

No. Smoking in the accommodation is forbidden.

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately we cannot allow pets.

Do I have to pay for a TV licence?

The licences for the TVs in the shared spaces such as the communal rooms and your shared living room/dining rooms have been paid for.

However, if you wish to watch TV in your room you must pay for your own TV licence. You require a TV licence no matter what device you watch or record live TV. More information can be found at www.tvlicensing.co.uk